Plan F and Plan G are the two most comprehensive Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies, and they look almost identical on paper. The real differences come down to one deductible, who can buy each plan, and what you’ll pay in premiums.
This guide breaks down Medicare Plan F vs Plan G so you can choose based on total cost, not just coverage.
1. Medicare Plan F vs Plan G: What’s the Difference?
The main difference between Medicare Plan F and Plan G is the Part B deductible.
Plan F covers the $283 annual deductible in 2026, while Plan G requires you to pay it yourself. Plan F is also unavailable to people who became eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
Both Medicare Supplement plans cover many out-of-pocket costs left by Original Medicare, including Part A deductibles, coinsurance, and Part B excess charges.
| Benefit | Plan F | Plan G |
| Part A coinsurance and hospital costs | ✓ | ✓ |
| Part A deductible ($1,736 in 2026) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Part B coinsurance or copays | ✓ | ✓ |
| Part B deductible ($283 in 2026) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Part B excess charges | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skilled nursing facility coinsurance | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hospice coinsurance and first 3 pints of blood | ✓ | ✓ |
| Foreign travel emergency care (80%, up to plan limits) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Available if new to Medicare in 2020 or later | ✗ | ✓ |
Which offers better value? Plan F provides more complete coverage, but Plan G may cost less overall if its annual premium savings exceed the $283 Part B deductible.
Both plans offer standardized benefits in most states, although premiums vary by insurer and location.
2. What Does Medicare Supplement Plan F Cover?
For those asking what is Plan F Medicare Supplement, it’s the most comprehensive standardized Medigap plan, covering nearly all out-of-pocket costs for services approved by Original Medicare.
Its benefits include:
- Part A and Part B deductibles: Both are fully covered under standard Plan F.
- Coinsurance and copays: Hospital, medical, hospice, and skilled nursing facility cost-sharing.
- Part B excess charges: Additional charges from eligible providers above Medicare-approved amounts.
- Foreign travel emergencies: 80% of eligible costs, subject to plan limits.
Plan F doesn’t cover routine dental, vision, or prescription drug benefits.
Eligibility: Only people first eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, can purchase Plan F, subject to applicable enrollment rules.
>>> Read more: What Does Medicare Supplement Plan N Cover? A Complete Benefits Guide
3. What Does Medicare Supplement Plan G Cover?
Medicare Supplement Plan G covers nearly all out-of-pocket costs for Original Medicare-approved services, except the annual Part B deductible ($283 in 2026).
Its benefits include:
- Part A coverage: Hospital deductible, coinsurance, and eligible skilled nursing facility costs.
- Part B coverage: Coinsurance, copays, and excess charges after the deductible.
- Additional benefits: Hospice cost-sharing, the first three pints of blood, and 80% of eligible foreign travel emergency costs, subject to limits.
Plan G is available to people newly eligible for Medicare, subject to enrollment rules. It doesn’t cover routine dental, vision, hearing aids, or outpatient prescription drugs.
4. Medicare Plan F vs Plan G Cost Comparison
Plan G is often less expensive than Plan F because its lower premiums can offset the $283 Medicare Part B deductible in 2026.
Compare annual premiums and expected out-of-pocket costs to determine which offers better value.
Typical Monthly Premiums
According to MoneyGeek, average 2026 monthly premiums at age 65 are:
- Plan F: $271 per month
- Plan G: $220 per month
That’s a $51 monthly difference, or $612 annually. Actual premiums vary by insurer, location, and age.
The Break-Even Calculation
Plan G generally costs less when its annual premium savings exceed the Part B deductible.
For example, a $51 monthly premium difference means Plan G saves $612 yearly. After accounting for the full $283 deductible, Plan G still saves $329 annually.
The 2026 break-even premium difference is approximately $23.58 per month if you incur the full Part B deductible.
High-Deductible Plan F and Plan G
Both plans offer high-deductible versions with lower premiums. You must pay up to $2,950 in Medicare-covered costs in 2026 before these policies begin paying benefits. The deductible increases to $3,050 in 2027.
High-deductible Plan F retains the pre-2020 Medicare eligibility restriction, while high-deductible Plan G is available to newer Medicare beneficiaries, subject to enrollment rules.
5. Who Is Eligible for Medicare Plan F vs Plan G?
Medicare Plan F eligibility depends on when you first became eligible for Medicare, while Plan G is available to newer beneficiaries. Both plans generally require Original Medicare Part A and Part B.
- Plan F: Only available if you became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, even if you enrolled later.
- Plan G: Available to people eligible for Medicare in 2020 or later, subject to insurer availability and enrollment rules.
The best time to enroll is during your six-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, beginning the month you’re 65 or older and enrolled in Part B.
During this period, insurers cannot deny coverage or increase premiums because of pre-existing health conditions. Outside it, medical underwriting may apply unless you have guaranteed-issue rights or additional state protections.
6. Medicare Plan F vs Plan G: Which Is Better?
Weighing Medicare Plan F vs Plan G pros and cons comes down to your eligibility and your total yearly costs.
When Plan F May Be Worth Keeping
- You already have Plan F and prefer minimal out-of-pocket costs for covered services.
- Your Plan F premium is close to Plan G’s, within about $23.58 per month.
- Your health may make it hard to pass underwriting for a new policy.
When Plan G May Be the Better Choice
- You’re newly eligible for Medicare and can’t buy Plan F.
- You’d save more on yearly premiums than the $283 Part B deductible.
- You’re comfortable paying the Part B deductible yourself.
>>> Read more: Does Medicare Cover Dental Implants? What Seniors Should Know About Coverage
7. Can You Switch From Medicare Plan F to Plan G?
Yes, you can switch from Medicare Plan F to Plan G if an insurer approves your application or you qualify for guaranteed-issue protections. Switching may help lower your monthly premiums.
However, outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period or other protected situations, insurers may use medical underwriting to deny coverage or charge higher premiums. Some states offer additional switching rights.
Don’t cancel Plan F until you’re approved for Plan G. Medicare provides a 30-day free-look period to evaluate your new policy before canceling the old one. You’ll need to pay both premiums while both policies remain active.
8. FAQs
What is the disadvantage of Plan G?
In the Medicare Plan F vs Plan G comparison, Plan G’s main drawback is that you pay the Part B deductible yourself each year, $283 in 2026. Its premiums can also rise over time.
Is Medicare Plan F worth it?
It can be if you already have it and the premium is close to Plan G’s. If you’re paying much more, Plan G usually costs less overall.
Should I switch from Plan F to G?
Consider it if Plan G would save you more than $283 per year and you can pass underwriting. Get approved for Plan G before canceling Plan F.
9. Final Thoughts
The choice between Medicare Plan F vs Plan G is rarely about coverage, since the plans differ by only the Part B deductible. Check your eligibility, compare premiums from several insurers, and run the break-even math to see which plan costs less for you in 2026.
